Your 5-Step Guide to Hassle-Free Gadget Greatness!

As the new year unfolds, individuals are prompted to reconsider their resolutions and daily habits, particularly in realms like fitness, finance, and relationships. Samsung extends a challenge to users, encouraging them to reassess their resolutions and habits, with a specific focus on daily routines. The advocacy for routinely maintaining tech and appliance investments is emphasized as a key contributor to a smoother pursuit of personal goals.

In this year-end segment of the Care Advice column, Samsung engages in a discussion with its experts, namely Nick Webert, Senior Director of Care Field Service Operation, and Jasper Morse, Director of Business Operations of Mobile Products Customer Care. Together, they outline five beneficial habits designed to seamlessly integrate into busy lives, assisting users in optimizing their brand-new or existing devices in 2024. (Hint: Three of these tips center around filters, and there’s no judgment for those who may have overlooked them!)

#1 – Backing up Mobile Devices

The common advice of backing up one’s phone is reiterated, often left unattended until an unexpected crisis occurs. The suggestion is to back up the phone to the device’s cloud at least once a month, ensuring the security of essential files. Samsung users are provided with an easier route by enabling auto-backup settings in their Samsung Cloud, allowing data to be backed up every 24 hours, providing reassurance during regular device use.

#2 – Ensuring Device Privacy

The importance of safeguarding mobile device privacy is stressed to thwart unforeseen intrusions into personal information. A monthly privacy check is recommended, involving a review of app permissions through Settings – Security & Privacy – Privacy – Permission Manager. Users can tailor permissions for each app, streamlining privacy settings, and enhancing security measures such as 2-step verification and account recovery methods.

#3 – Regularly Cleaning Over-the-Stove Microwaves

To guarantee the microwave’s support for fast cooking in the new year, attention to its filter is advised. Users are reminded that microwaves have removable grease filters (OTR) or recirculation filters (charcoal) located at the bottom, requiring cleaning or replacement every six months. A quick rinse under warm water and air drying is recommended, especially for stainless steel filters.

#4 – Consistently Cleaning Dryer Lint Filters

Cleaning the dryer filter after every load is underscored as a vital maintenance task to avert potential fire hazards. The recommendation for Samsung users is to slide out and rinse the filter with warm water, removing larger lint particles by hand. The suggestion to switch from dryer sheets to wool dryer balls is made for effective lint collection.

#5 – Regularly Emptying Robot or Stick Vacuums’ Bins and Cleaning Filters

For those aiming to maintain a clean home, regularly emptying the vacuum’s dust bin and cleaning the filter is imperative. Users are advised to perform this task at least once a month, or immediately after vacuuming heavily soiled areas. The process involves removing, emptying, and rinsing the bin under warm, soapy water, ensuring it is completely dry before reinserting to prevent mold.

Acknowledging that adopting new habits for device and appliance maintenance may seem like an added chore, assurance is given that many of these routines will take 10 minutes or less. Emphasizing that keeping gadgets in optimal condition not only safeguards investments but also saves money in the long run, users are encouraged to utilize SmartThings for easy monitoring of smart devices and appliances.